The Rounds - March 12, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
March 12, 2006
490
Good Evening Soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
Isn’t it nice to see the sun shining again? I mean, I realize it’s not beach weather, but when Spring rolls around it makes a little more sense to pump up some good Caribbean music. Many people think that when March rolls around it’s the beginning of a long draught in the world of soca. Not so meh friends. Carnival time is everytime…and at the end of this Month, Jamaica will be jumping up to the sounds of Soca.
The history of Mas in Jamaica is young compared to its sister islands, but don’t be mistaken, it IS the real thing. Jamaica carnival was founded in 1989 by Byron Lee. For those who don’t know, he’s only the biggest name in Soca to come out of that island.
Being a young carnival, there’s still lots of freedom of expression and space to create traditions. About two weeks ago the Bacchanal Jamaica mas camp began holding their weekly Socacise classes. Brilliant, I tell yuh. Every Monday from now until the road parade, masqueraders can work out to the sounds of sweet soca music. Certified fitness instructors will be on hand to get you in shape to put on that costume as you learn the hottest new music.
Most of the other major carnivals in the region get going in the summer time, but naturally the preparation begins months before. This weekend Antiguans got a chance to see what local mas camp Passions has to offer for the road in July 2006. They are a fairly new band, but they managed to place second for Band of the Year in 2005. This year’s presentation will be called “Caribbean Cocktails”. The eight sections will boast about 400 revellers depicting fruity drinks enjoyed in the islands.
Over in St. Vincent, mas makers are hard at work too, but so are the construction workers. Carnival City is getting a makeover. Victoria Park is the largest venue for Vincy Mas. It hosts events like Panorama, Soca Monarch, and everything in between. Since it’s THE place to see and be seen during carnival, the locals simply refer to it as “Carnival City”. Right now preparations are underway to build a larger shed for the Mas Bands. The project will cost about 1 and a quarter million dollars EC to complete, but no price is too great where Soca is concerned.
Oh yeah, speaking about price. Doctor Jay is at it again, cutting deals for his loyal supporters. Yesterday 1400 hundred tickets for the annual return fete went on sale for the early bird price of $25. The fete is on Saturday. If you didn’t grab your ticket yet, don’t worry $30 dollar ones are in the stores now…but don’t wait too long. All of Toronto was missing de docta when he was in Trinidad, so you better hurry if you want to Max it Up while your favourite DJ sets your Soul on Fire with some Ting Fuh de Road. I’ll be at Kool Haus welcoming back Dr. Jay, Destra, Mr. Vybe and KMC. Hope to see you there!
I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Lata!